Drew Brees is no stranger to Mardi Gras, or even Bacchus. He reigned over the parade himself in 2010, as a matter of fact.
But 2026 marked Brees' inaugural ride as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and that was the exact treatment he got. That included a custom float with messages like "Thank you Who Dat nation," "Hall of Famer" and "Super Bowl MVP" emblazoned along the sides and a larger-than-life statue of No. 9 adorning the front.
Check out the float in the posts below. Can't see the embed? Click here.
With a more heavily Saints-themed Mardi Gras crowd than normal, Brees threw items to the crowd -- often with his left hand -- signed footballs and stopped at Gallier Hall for a toast from New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno.
Brees was announced as a member of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class earlier this month and will be officially inducted on Aug. 8. Moreno presented Brees with a key to the city. Brees toasted Moreno, the City Council and onlookers.
“Who Dat Nation! We love you! We love New Orleans! We love Mardi Gras! We love the Saints," Brees said before leading the crowd in the "win again" chant that the team adopted in its buildup to the Super Bowl title in the 2009 season.
Related
Brees was just one of many current or former Saints to participate in Mardi Gras parades. Tyler Shough and several teammates joined the Krewe of Pygmalion, whole Cam Jordan and Co. took their talents to Alla.
Justin Reid rode in the Tucks parade, while Isaiah Stalbird could be spotted throwing an entire king cake to onlookers.
Oh, and there was even a Sean Payton spotting, with the former Saints coach found out along the route this week.